sigma_epsilon writes: Ars Technica has a wonderful article on the Opposable Thumbs blog about Lord British's efforts to bring space travel down from a $50 million venture to as little as $25,000 using reusable rockets, and the impact that could have on climate preservation, as well as jump starting a private space industry.Link to Original Source

sigma_epsilon writes: JK Rowling was accused of plagiarizing 'Willy the Wizard,' by Adrian Jacobs, a 36-page book about, well, another wizard.

From the article:

"The suit claims Rowling's book Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire copied substantial parts of Jacobs' 36-page book The Adventures of Willy the Wizard – No 1 Livid Land. The plagiarism claims stem from both Willy and Harry being required to solve a task as part of a contest, which they achieve in a bathroom assisted by clues from helpers."

"I estimate it's a billion-dollar case," Markson [lawyer for the prosecution] said. "That'll be the decision of the courts, obviously."

As if we needed another example of copyright law being taken way further than it was ever meant to be. Note that the estate of Adrian Jacobs, who is deceased, is suing, not the author herself.Link to Original Source